观察家研究基金会-蓝绿基础设施：印度城市的机遇（英文）-2021.5-38页_1mb

Summary of the Document: Blue-Green Infrastructure for Indian Cities

Core Content

This document discusses the concept of Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGI) as a nature-based solution to address climate change, enhance urban resilience, and promote sustainability in Indian cities. It explores global examples and evaluates their relevance to India's urban planning and development needs.

Main Points

Climate Change and Urban Vulnerability

• Climate hazards are increasing globally, with cities being major contributors to climate change.
• Cities account for 78% of the world's energy consumption and over 60% of greenhouse gas emissions.
• India's temperature is projected to rise by 2.7°C to 4.4°C by 2099, necessitating resilient infrastructure.

Urbanization and Environmental Degradation

• Rapid urbanization in Indian cities has led to significant loss of green and blue spaces.
• Examples include:
  • Bengaluru: Green features decreased from 68% to 14% (1973–2013), and blue features from 3% to less than 1%.
  • Mumbai: Vegetation decreased by 60% and waterbodies by 65% (1977–2017).
  • Ahmedabad: Vegetation loss of 50% projected between 2010 and 2030.

Definition and Scope of Blue-Green Infrastructure

• BGI is an umbrella of nature-based solutions that integrates green (land) and blue (water) elements.
• It supports climate resilience, health, and urban sustainability.
• In India, BGI is defined through policy frameworks at central, state, and sub-regional levels.

Key Global Examples and Their Relevance to India

1. UK: Blue-Green Cities Research Project

• A three-year project in Newcastle aimed to reduce flood risks through BGI.
• Introduced the flood footprint to assess both direct and indirect economic impacts of flooding.
• £44 million in direct economic damage from 2012 floods, with indirect damage being 27% higher.
• Lessons applicable to flood-prone cities like Mumbai and Hyderabad.

2. Vancouver, Canada: Rain City Strategy

• Launched in 2019 with a US$70 million investment.
• Aims to improve water quality, urban resilience, and livability.
• Utilizes bioswales, rain gardens, green roofs, and permeable pavements.
• Successful outcomes include the revitalization of watersheds and enhancement of ecosystems.

3. Singapore: Active, Beautiful, Clean (ABC) Waters Programme

• Launched in 2006 to integrate drainage systems with the environment.
• Focuses on stormwater management and community engagement.
• Includes rating certification, no assessment fees, and public-private collaboration.
• Offers a model for urban water quality improvement and ecosystem enhancement.

4. The Netherlands: Hoeksche Waard and Room for the River

• Hoeksche Waard project reduced pesticide use and promoted agrobiodiversity.
• Room for the River strategy restored floodplains to reduce flood risks.
• Demonstrates the value of integrating BGI with agriculture.
• Delta Works program highlights floodplain restoration as a sustainable solution.

5. Portland, US: Grey to Green Initiative

• A five-year initiative to protect natural resources and restore ecosystems.
• Implemented stormwater management through green streets, eco-roofs, and invasive species removal.
• 30,000 trees planted and 18 million gallons of stormwater captured annually.
• Highlights the importance of inventorying and zoning for BGI implementation.

6. China: Sponge City Programme (Wuhan)

• Launched in 2013 with 30 pilot cities by 2016.
• Aims to absorb and manage rainwater effectively.
• Wuhan set targets for 70% rainfall absorption by 2020 and 80% by 2030.
• Utilizes rain gardens, green roofs, and permeable pavements.
• Government supervision and social capital (public-private collaboration) are key to funding and implementation.

Opportunities for India

• Integration of BGI with urban planning can help mitigate climate risks and improve resilience.
• Decentralized planning and functional division are essential for successful implementation.
• Retrofitting existing urban areas using BGI components like stormwater channels, gardens, and parks can be beneficial in highly developed cities.
• Policy alignment and investment in BGI are necessary to support climate action and sustainable urban development.

Institutional Challenges in India

• Green infrastructure was first mentioned in the Fourth Five Year Plan (1964–69), but environmental policies were not well-developed until the 1980s.
• The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change is the central authority for environmental and climate policies.
• The Ministry of Water Resources and Ganga Development oversees blue infrastructure.
• The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) includes 12 missions, many of which are multisectoral and multi-departmental.
• Barriers include financial constraints, inter-ministerial coordination issues, lack of technical expertise, and project delays.

Conclusion

Blue-Green Infrastructure presents a viable solution for climate adaptation and sustainable urban development in India. Drawing from global best practices, Indian cities can reinforce existing infrastructure, enhance environmental and social equity, and catalyse economic transitions. However, policy coherence, technical capacity, and community involvement are crucial for successful implementation.